Episode 23

Ferragosto: Why You Should Summer Like An Italian

Hello everyone, Samantha Wilson here, your host of A New Life in Italy. In this episode, we delve into the heart of Italian culture by exploring Ferragosto, a significant holiday in Italy.

Ferragosto, which dates back to ancient Rome, was established by Emperor Augustus in 18 BCE as a period of rest and celebration after the harvest. Over the centuries, it evolved, with the Catholic Church later aligning it with the Assumption of Mary on August 15th. During the 1930s, the fascist regime promoted "popular trips" with reduced fares, allowing the working class to enjoy holidays by the sea.

Today, Ferragosto remains a cherished time for Italians to take a break, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy festivities. Many businesses close, especially in smaller towns, but tourist areas and larger cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan remain lively.

For those planning to visit or move to Italy during Ferragosto, I shared some essential tips:

1. Book in Advance: Accommodations fill up quickly.

2. Expect Closures: Many shops and services will be closed.

3. Embrace Local Culture: Join beach parties, festivals, and parades.

4. Indulge in Food: Enjoy traditional Italian summer foods and gelato.

5. Check Travel Schedules: Beat the crowds by starting your day early and consider using public transportation.

Living in Italy has taught me the importance of taking a break and enjoying life. So, from all of us at SmartMove Italy and Sentieri Media, we wish you buon Ferragosto. Enjoy your summer, and we'll see you after the break.

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Until next time! 

Ci vediamo!


Mentioned in this episode:

Sentire Media Website

About the Podcast

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A New Life in Italy
Live longer. Spend less. Smile more.

About your hosts

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Samantha Wilson

For those who know me and those whom I have had the honor to help move to Italy, you know that I am obsessed with taking complex things and boiling them down into small, actionable, easy-to-do steps.

I am a bit of a freak about it and can’t remember when I wasn’t the “problem solver – solution seeker” in the confused crowd.

My dad used to say I was just stubborn or unwilling to accept “you can’t do that” for an answer. Still, I always believed that if you can look at a problem from every angle, break it down, and have the support and knowledge to move through and over the barriers, anything is possible.

Now, in my new life in Italy, I use my obsession with planning and finding solutions to help people from all over the world successfully move to Italy, whether to live part-time or full-time, with less stress and mistakes.

I am considered one of the top relocation experts in Italy and am the founder and Chief Dream Maker at Smart Move Italy (www.smartmoveitaly.com) where my team of experts and I work tirelessly to help smooth the pathway to a new life in Italy- and I hope that we can help you too.
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London Niro

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Ali Frothingham